NFL Draft Scouting Report: Travon Spencer

Kentucky State University
Linebacker #3
6’2 225 Senior

Closes in on the ball carrier

High motor

Weak competition

Looks like he played out of position

Played a lot of inside, Looks like a 3-4 outside backer

Travon Spencer started all 41 of his games for Kentucky State University. He earned defensive MVP his sophomore season along with winning all-conference honors twice. Spencer was awarded team captain his final season under coach John L. Smith and broke the single-season school record for most tackles in a season with 107, making him the first Thorobred to record 100 tackles in a season since becoming a DII institution. He led his team to the conference championship for the first time in school history.

Spencer spent a lot of time in the middle of his defense. He excelled in tracking down the ball and becoming a magnet to the ball carrier. He was asked to blitz up the middle and when he did, he often generated pressure. Spencer’s ability to blitz and rush the passer will be an attractive asset to NFL teams. The whole time I was watching his tape, all I could think about was, “Why is he not being used to set the edge?”

Obviously, his coach used him to rack up tackles and Spencer did his job for Kentucky State but at the next level, I predict Spencer will get a shot in a 3-4 defensive scheme. His coverage is not great and his size should limit him from being a true middle linebacker.

Lack of elite competition is always the first concern with the smaller school guys but Spencer is a football player down to the core. His tenacity may earn him a shot in the NFL.

NFL Comp: Casey Matthews

Round Value: UDFA

Spencer will need to wow scouts with his ability to track down ball carriers. If he’s able to do that, he’ll earn a shot to make an NFL roster.